Dogs can develop urinary system issues, such as illnesses or infections of the bladder, urethra, or prostate, as they develop with age. Symptoms of urinary tract issues might (not necessarily) also indicate other issues, such as cancer or bladder stone formation. UTIs in dogs/puppies is very common.
As a result of these problems, your dog may be unable to retain its pee or may become sluggish. When your dog is attempting to relieve itself, he or she may moan or scream out in frustration.
Quick Navigation
- Are UTIs Common In Puppies/Dogs?
- Symptoms Of UTI In dogs.
- Cause Of UTI In Dogs/Puppies.
- What Factors Increase The Risk Of UTI?
- What Is The Procedure For Diagnosing Urinary Tract Problems?
- What Is The Treatment For Urinary Tract Infections?
- How To Prevent UTIs
- Antibiotics for UTIs in Dogs: What Is the Outcome?
- Best Home Remedies
- Frequently Asked Questions
Are UTIs Common In Puppies/Dogs?
Unfortunately, Yes! UTIs are very common in dogs. Every 1 in 3 puppies/dogs may develop UTI in any stage of life. But the good news is that it is treatable and you can even prevent it in the future.
How Do You Know If Your Dog/Puppy Has UTI? – (Symptoms Of UTI In dogs)?
Sometimes it’s impossible to tell whether or not your dog is in pain, and your dog may not show any indications of discomfort at all.
The following indications, however, may assist you in determining whether or not your dog is experiencing problems with its urinary tract:
- Accidents in the house
- Licking around the urinary opening
- Bloody and cloudy urine
- Needing to be let outside more frequently
- Straining or whimpering during urination
Other issues that may arise in your dog’s urinary system include:
- A strong odor to the urine
- Lethargy
- Increased amount or frequency of urination
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Increased water consumption
- Changes in appetite
- Weight loss
- Severe back pain
Why Do Puppies/Dogs Get Urinary Tract Infections? – (Cause Of UTI In Dogs/Puppies)
There are several reasons for urinary tract disorders, including:
- Inflammation or infection of the bladder
- Stress
- Bladder or urethra obstruction due to stones, crystals, or debris
- Having an inability to retain their urinate due to excessive water consumption or a weak bladder
- Trauma
- Prostate disease
- A congenital anomaly
- Abnormalities of the spinal cord
- Cancer
What Factors Increase The Risk Of UTI In Dogs/Puppies?
Any dog/puppy of any age, gender, or breed may get a UTI but:
The incidence of UTIs is higher in older female dogs and dogs with diabetes.
Dogs that have bladder stones are more likely to suffer from urinary tract infections (UTIs).
In addition, urinary tract illness and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are frequent in senior dogs, seven years old or older, and any breed or gender.
What Is The Procedure For Diagnosing Urinary Tract Problems?
A visit to the veterinarian is required for the diagnosis of urinary tract issues. Your veterinarian will do a physical examination, which will involve evaluating the kidneys and bladder function. In addition, they will almost certainly do a urinalysis. Depending on their results, they may need to do a urine culture, blood tests, ultrasounds, or radiographic examinations.
These examinations can assist your veterinarian in determining if your dog’s urinary tract issues are the result of a UTI or whether they are the result of another underlying condition such as those described above, such as stones, cancer, or tumors.
What Is The Treatment For Urinary Tract Infections In Dogs/Puppies?
Your veterinarian will decide the best course of action for your dog after determining the underlying cause of the problem.
The underlying cause of the symptoms will determine the most effective treatment.
Following your dog’s diagnosis, your veterinarian may suggest one or more of the following treatments:
- Antibiotics
- Dietary modifications
- Fluid treatment administered intravenously or subcutaneously
- Increased consumption of fluids
- Acidifiers or alkalinizers
- Surgery to remove a tumor or stone from the bladder (if applicable)
- Correction of a congenital disability by surgery
If your veterinarian concludes that your dog’s urinary tract issues result from an underlying ailment, he or she will attempt to treat the underlying disease first.
When treating UTIs in dogs, the most common therapy is antibiotics, but the veterinarian may also prescribe pain medicine because UTIs may be pretty unpleasant for dogs.
If your veterinarian recommends antibiotics, make sure you give your dog the whole course of medicine, even if they appear to be getting better. This will ensure that the infection is cured and will help avoid reinfection in the future.
Your veterinarian should examine the urine after the medications have been administered to ensure that the infection has been eradicated.
If this is not the case, they will need to investigate other factors that might be causing the infection to recur.
How To Prevent UTIs In Dogs/Puppies?
While it is not a treatment for UTIs;
- Feeding your dog with extra water can reduce the likelihood of this illness occurring in the future.
- Provide plenty of fresh, clean water for your dog at all times, and change the bowl if you notice saliva or food floating around in the water.
- Allow your dog to go outdoors more frequently.
- Do not allow him to hold it for long periods of time. This can also help to avoid an accident from occurring in your own house!
- You may also give your dog probiotic pills to help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in his digestive system.
- Last but not least, ensure the region around your dog’s urine entrance is free of dirt, scrapes, and other messes. Antibacterial wipes, which are available at most pet stores, (Also available on Amzazon Here) can be used to clean this region.
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Antibiotics for UTIs in Dogs: What Is the Outcome?
The majority of traditional veterinarians will recommend antibiotics for your dog’s UTI. Unfortunately, antibiotics not only kill the bacteria that cause UTIs, but they also kill the beneficial bacteria that exist in your dog’s digestive tract.
And, as you may recall, most canine urinary tract infections are inflammation or a sign of a more serious underlying issue. In some instances, the antibiotics are damaging your dog’s microbiota while failing to adequately address the underlying cause of your dog’s UTI problem. That is why urinary tract infections (UTIs) tend to recur often.
Antibiotic resistance is another issue that has to be addressed, when your dog takes antibiotics regularly, the effectiveness of the drugs decreases.
The good news is that various natural homemade solutions are available to prevent and treat urinary tract infections. But first, let’s take a deeper look at what a urinalysis is and how it may assist your veterinarian in determining the health of your dog’s urinary system and bladder.
Make sure to consult with the Vet before trying any home remedy.
How To Treat Dogs/Puppies UTI At Home – 4 Best Home Remedies
Now that you’ve identified the source of your dog’s irritation; let’s look at some home treatments that may be of assistance.
1. Couch Grass
The couch grass, also known as quack grass, is a widespread weed in North America. Veterinarians recommend it as a first-line treatment for urinary tract issues in dogs.
Couch grass has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, as well as being a moderate antibacterial. It also has diuretic properties, which indicates that it can aid in the removal of waste.
What Is The Best Way to Give Your Dog Couch Grass for Urinary Tract infections?
- Make its liquid solution after boiling.
- Allow the liquid to cool before straining it.
- Place a dropper or a teaspoon into your dog’s mouth twice a day (1/2 teaspoon for 20 pounds of body weight, twice per day).
- You may also put it in your dog’s drinking water.
- Make sure that the plant is organic or free of pesticides before purchasing it.
2. Parsley Leaf
It is another diuretic that can be used to treat urinary tract infections. This is due to its antibacterial qualities and the fact that it is simple to administer to your dog.
How to give parsley to your dog:
- One teaspoon of parsley juice per 20 pounds of your dog’s body weight is a good starting point.
- It is better to administer it orally and on an empty stomach.
- If your dog refuses to take it by mouth, you can mix it with water and give it to him that way.
3. Marshmallow
Marshmallow is one of the most versatile herbs for dogs, and it may be used in various ways. As a demulcent, it helps to relieve irritated and inflamed tissue while also protecting it from further irritation and inflammation. As a result, it is the best treatment for urinary tract infections in dogs. It aids in the reduction of inflammation and the formation of a protective barrier between the lining of the urinary system and dangerous bacteria and viruses.
How Should You Give Your Dog Marshmallow For UTIs?
- Sprinkle marshmallow root powder on your dog’s food to make it more appealing to him.
- Give him 12 teaspoons for every pound of food he consumes.
4. Horsetail
Horsetail is antimicrobial, which means that it can aid in the prevention and treatment of illness. Also, if your dog has a urinary tract infection with minimal bleeding, it can be pretty beneficial. Horsetail is most effective when combined with a calming herb such as marshmallow root. Furthermore, it should not be used for an extended period of time. In any other case, it may irritate the skin.
How to give your dog a horsetail herb for urinary tract infections (UTIs)?
- In a large saucepan, combine a large handful of dried herb, 12 teaspoons of sugar, and enough water just to cover the herb.
- Low-heat cooking until the water becomes dark green is recommended (about 20 minutes).
- Allow the liquid to cool before straining it.
- To your dog’s food, add one tablespoon for every 20 pounds of body weight.
Frequently Asked Questions About UTI In Dogs/Puppies:
Here are the answers to the frequently asked questions about UTI in dogs/puppies:
1- How long does a uti lasts in puppies/dogs?
It typically takes 2 weeks for the UTI to completely go away with the proper treatment given by the veterinarian. However, the symptoms may start to disappear within a few days of starting the treatment.
2- At what age dogs/puppies get a UTI?
UTIs are more common in older dogs but it doesn’t mean that younger dogs/puppies cannot get them. Any dog of any breed can get a UTI at any age.
3- Is UTI common in female dogs?
Yes, UTIs are found to be more common in female dogs. But as said earlier, any dog of any gender can get a UTI.
4- How often do puppies/dogs get UTI?
Any dog can get a simple UTI once in a while but if he suffers from this infection more than 2 times in a year or 2 times in 6 months, this is called chronic or recurrent UTI. It’s better to see a vet & get proper treatment.
5- Can UTI go away by itself?
Yes a simple UTI may resolve on its own sometimes, yet it’s best to see a vet.
6- UTI symptoms in male and female dogs?
UTI symptoms are usually the same in males and females. (The symptoms are already listed above)
7- Can dogs get UTI from holding Pee?
Yes, when dogs hold their pee for a long time, regularly, it can increase their risk of getting a UTI. This is because the body does not flush out the toxins and harmful bacteria in time.
8- Best foods for dogs with UTI?
The best diet for dogs with UTIs is raw foods diet that is full of whole foods containing Vitamin c & B12 and minerals that support a dog’s immune system.
(Note: This article is reviewed and approved by a Veterinarian doctor Muqeet Mushtaq DVM (UVAS). However, this website provides information only, we disclaim any liability for your reliance on any opinions or advice contained on this website. So, we highly recommend visiting your dog’s vet and consult him for an opinion and treatment. Please read our disclosures and disclaimers here)
So here is everything you need to know about UTIs in dog/puppies. If y ou still have any question, feel free to ask in the comments.
Read more about the conditions that might be hindering the process of potty training you puppies or potty training regression in dogs.
